How to Find Your Lost Car Key Replacement
It's a fact of life that we all lose car keys at some moment in time. It happens more often than people think, however, and it can be a huge trouble.
It is possible to replace lost car keys dependent on the type of key you own. The most basic keys can usually be made at an area hardware store, provided you can provide the VIN number or proof of ownership.
Retract Your Steps
It's extremely frustrating to lose your car keys, particularly when it occurs during a busy period of the day when you need to be somewhere. Fortunately, it's not the end of the world and there are a variety of steps you can take to assist you in finding your lost car key replacement.
It is recommended to retrace your steps. This involves going back through the places you've been and looking around at home as well as at work. This will help you locate the keys by telling you where you last seen them.
If you are still unable to locate your car keys, you can call a locksmith or a dealership nearby for assistance. They'll be able to make the new key for you and also decode the locks on your vehicle so that only the new key is able to start it. They'll also wipe the old key from your vehicle's system, so if someone does manage to gain access to it, they won't be able to drive your car.
Before you call a locksmith or dealer ensure that you have your vehicle identification number (VIN) available. This is a number that's located on your driver's door panel or dashboard, and it will inform them of the car you drive so they can create keys that match.
Memory Exercises
You may be tempted to be scared of losing your car keys however, be calm. This will allow you to concentrate and search thoroughly. Relax your eyes, close your eyes and utilize the power of your memory to recall where you found your car keys the last time. If you're having difficulty remembering where they were, go back your steps once more and look for any clues that may have surfaced.
If you're still having issues, contact a locksmith or dealership in your area to get help. You'll have to give them specific details about your vehicle and its security system. They'll be able to create keys that match your existing security chip. They'll also guide you on preventive measures to avoid future key loss.
Verify Your Vehicle Identification (VIN).
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. Contact your local locksmith to find a replacement car key. As cars have become more sophisticated, so have their keys. This makes them harder to replace and also more expensive. This is why it's crucial to keep a spare key on hand, or at least know how much your car dealership will charge you for a replacement in the event that you lose one.
The first thing you need to do when you lose a car key is to confirm that the key you lost is not actually missing. Examine the pockets of your jacket or pants, the backseat, and other places you may not normally check for, like the inside of a purse or shoe. Go through the owner's manual to see if it has any special instructions on how to reset the key if it becomes dead.
If you have checked everything but still cannot find your car keys, it's time to get an expert for an alternative. Depending on the type of key you have (traditional keys, key fobs, or switchblade) it can cost you between $50 to $200 to get new keys. If you have a conventional key, a locksmith can usually cut a new one and modify it to fit your vehicle. This is a less expensive option than the dealer's price that can be as much as $320 to replace the lost key.
You'll have to contact your dealer and have your car towed for them to order a new VIN-based key for your vehicle. Then, they'll have to pair the new key with your vehicle's computer which can be an expensive and lengthy procedure. This is why it's a good idea to include Emergency Roadside Service from GEICO to your policy, so you will have the assistance of an expert if you ever need to!
Check your vehicle's security system
It's no secret that a lot of modern cars have fancy security features that are designed to protect the contents of the car from thieves. While these features are usually an excellent thing, they can also make keys for the car more difficult to replace. However, it's not impossible to get a new key for these vehicles although the process is more complex and costly than in the past. The exact cost will vary according to the kind of key your vehicle is using, and you must be aware of before getting one made.
The classic double-edged car key can be converted into a spare by visiting any hardware store or dealer. The cost is typically less than $10, and it can be used as a backup key to start your car in a dire situation. car keys lost of cars, however, incorporate transponder chips into the keys to control various aspects of the car including locking and unlocking to turning on and off. The chips have to be programmed using a special machine that is available only in some dealerships.
When you need to make an extra for these more advanced models of cars, a locksmith local to you is likely to be able. They will need to know the model and year of your vehicle as well as other details to prove that you're the owner (like your car registration number or title). car keys lost can make keys on site which will save you time from having to visit dealers.
If you do not have a spare, the next best option is the dealership. They are the best person to speak to since they know the vehicle and what keys you require to start it. This can be expensive but they won't be open for assistance at the roadside.
If you want a less expensive alternative, you can try a Bluetooth key tracker. These devices are attached to your key ring, and emit signals that you can connect with an app on your smartphone. The app will then inform you where your keys are, helping you locate them and preventing them from being lost in the first place!
Find car keys lost loses their car keys at one time or another. It can happen at the most inconvenient of times such as at a gas station or while loading groceries into your trunk. It's not hard to find your keys again however it is stressful if you don't have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend.
There are, however, options to obtain a new key if you have lost the original. The procedure varies based on your kind of key and your vehicle.
For example, if you have a traditional key that fits into an ignition lock cylinder it's relatively simple to have a locksmith create a replacement on the spot. This will cost less than $200 and can be completed quicker than purchasing a new one from a dealership.
You'll need to go to the dealer if you own a remote key with an external transmitter. The dealer will be able locate your information and issue you the right key at a lower cost than you would pay if you went to locksmith.
A locksmith may also be able to create a replacement key using the VIN of your vehicle, so you have evidence of ownership like your registration or title. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting a dealership. However, it may not be a possibility if your vehicle is newer or costly.
The best way to avoid losing your keys is by having an extra. Place it in a secure location, like your home, so that you don't have to worry about putting it somewhere when you leave your vehicle. Be sure to check your purses and pockets often, especially if you have coats or jackets with large pockets. Check places you might not typically reach, such as the inside of your shoe if you wear runners. Finally, be sure to check the trunk of your car if you put the keys in there. It's easy to forget you put them there, and they can easily get stolen if someone else leaves in your car.